FishTankFish tank cost calculator
How much does it cost to start a fish tank? Pick a tank size and this calculator lists everything you need with a typical price for each, so you can see the real total before you buy, plus what it costs each month to run.
| Item | Typical price ($) |
|---|
These are typical US prices for plain, mid-range gear, rounded. Change any price in the list to match what you find, and the totals update. Sales, used tanks and kits can bring the cost down a lot.
Where to start
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- Test kitAPI Freshwater Master Test KitLiquid tests for ammonia, nitrite, nitrate and pH. 800 tests in the box.
- Water conditionerSeachem Prime (500 ml)Removes chlorine and chloramine from tap water. It's concentrated, so one bottle lasts a long time.
- ThermometerZacro digital thermometer (2 pack)Cheap, and the only way to know your heater is doing its job.
For the bigger items, see the best starter kits, filters, heaters and stands.
How much does a fish tank cost? Quick chart
Typical setup costs from the calculator above, including gravel, decor, test kit, conditioner and a starter budget of $60 for fish:
| Tank | Without a stand | With a stand |
|---|---|---|
| 5 gallon kit | about $210 | about $210 |
| 10 gallon | about $265 | about $325 |
| 20 gallon long | about $340 | about $430 |
| 29 gallon | about $380 | about $470 |
| 40 gallon breeder | about $480 | about $630 |
| 55 gallon | about $540 | about $740 |
| 75 gallon | about $700 | about $1000 |
Where the money goes
- The tank is often the cheapest part. The stand, filter, light and heater together usually cost more than the glass.
- Bigger is cheaper per gallon, and easier to keep stable. A 20 or 29 gallon is the sweet spot for beginners. See everything you need to start a fish tank.
- Don't skip the test kit. It's what tells you the tank is safe for fish. See how to cycle a fish tank.
- Fish are a small part of the cost, but losing them to an uncycled tank costs the most, in money and in fish.
Monthly running costs
The heater uses the most power. This calculator assumes it's on about a third of the time, plus the filter and a light on for 8 hours a day. A tank in a warm room costs less, and one in a cold room more. Add water conditioner, food and replacement filter pads, and most beginner tanks cost about $5 to $15 a month to run.
Ways to save
- Watch for tank sales. Pet stores often run sales on standard glass tanks.
- Buy a kit for small tanks. See the best starter kits.
- Buy used, but fill it outside or in a bathtub for a day to check for leaks first.
- Skip what you don't need yet, like CO2, fancy lights and automatic feeders.
Related: Aquarium volume calculator · Tank weight calculator · Everything you need to start a fish tank